Operation Sindoor: Rafale, Sukhoi, SCALP, and HAMMER, how did these powerful weapons destroy terror targets in Pakistan

In retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, including Bhawalpur, a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit. Addressing a press briefing in the national capital hours after the targeted strikes, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh outlined the objectives of the operation and provided details on destroyed terrorist camps. Four of the nine targeted terrorist camps are in Pakistan and the remaining in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The operation, executed by the Indian Armed Forces, dismantled terror infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Colonel Qureshi detailed the targeted camps, stating that the four terrorist camps destroyed in Pakistan are Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya, reported news agency ANI.

The Indian Air Force possesses a variety of fighter aircraft, ranging from the indigenous Tejas to the French-made Rafale. Sukhoi-30 and Rafale fighter jets were also used in Operation Sindhur.

According to the Navbharattimes report, the Sukhoi-30 is a versatile multirole fighter jet with twin engines. It can launch the supersonic BrahMos missile and operate at altitudes of up to 57,000 feet. Equipped with 12 hardpoints, it can carry up to 12 weapons at a time. The aircraft is capable of carrying and firing both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons simultaneously.

Rafale is manufactured by the French company Dassault. It is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft. Capable of operating at full capacity even from high-altitude regions like Leh, the Rafale can carry out both air-to-air and air-to-surface strikes. It is equipped with advanced missiles such as Meteor, SCALP, and HAMMER.

The Indian forces selected these locations with the intent of targeting key Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba leadership, responsible for sponsoring terrorism in India, sources were quoted assaying by news agency ANI. A loitering munition is a type of precision weapon that hovers over a target area to locate and strike targets, often autonomously or under human control, before being expended.

Earlier, India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the strikes were part of “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry stated, “Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted.” The operation followed the “barbaric” Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.

Apart from the Air Force, the Navy and the Army also participated in the operation, which was launched in retaliation to the brutal attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-based terrorists that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident. The major military action was carried out at around 1:30 a.m., aiming to destroy the launchpads and weapons depots of the terrorists.

Also referred to as Storm Shadow, the Scalp missile is an air-launched cruise missile. It is recognised for for its stealth capabilities and effectiveness in long-range, deep-strike missions. Its ability to operate in all weather conditions and during nighttime makes it a preferred choice for defence forces worldwide.

With a range of 450 km, the Scalp missile owes its high precision to an advanced navigation system that combines INS, GPS, and terrain reference technology. It is produced by MBDA, a leading European defence consortium.

Regarded as an ideal weapon for penetrating fortified bunkers and ammunition depots, the Scalp missile gained prominence when Ukraine used it for the first time last year to strike targets within Russia.

As the missile nears its target, the onboard infrared seeker compares the target image with the data fed into it, ensuring high precision and minimal collateral damage. With a warhead weighing up to 450 kg, the missile remains difficult to detect as it flies at low altitude after being launched from a jet.

Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) is an advanced, all-weather, air-to-ground precision-guided weapon used in the operation. Known as a glide bomb, it has a range of up to 70 km and can be mounted on standard bombs of 250kg, 500kg, or 1,000kg.

Developed by the French company Safran, the bomb is resistant to jamming and can be launched from low altitudes over rugged terrain. Its ability to evade interception and penetrate fortified structures makes it exceptionally effective.

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